1981 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 278 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 2012 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 1981 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Reliant | Nissan |
| Model | Scimitar | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
